Best of Thailand & Vietnam

Best of Thailand and Vietnam

Overview

Experience the breathtaking beauty and endearing cultures of Vietnam and Thailand during this 15-day trip that is jam-packed with historical sites, gorgeous scenery, delectable cuisine, and cultural exploration. Cruise the calm waters of Halong Bay, which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover Vietnam’s rich battle history, historic treasures, and imperial cities. Take two domestic flights via Vietnam to economize on transit time, then unwind and kick back before starting your Thailand adventure in the energetic city of Bangkok. As you go back in time to the ancient kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya and take in the breathtaking scenery of Northern Thailand, get ready to be astounded. At a Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary, finish your adventure in wonder.

Why you will love this trip?

  • Experience all the must-see sights of Vietnam and Thailand during this 15-day journey through vibrant cities, floating villages, verdant rural towns, and world-renowned historic sites.
  • Stay at hotels that have been carefully chosen and that include breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner. Enjoy two complimentary domestic flights as well to cut down on your Vietnam travel time.
  • Take an included city tour with your local guide to see the top attractions in Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, and more.
  • Take a day trip across the Mekong Delta’s floating communities and verdant wetlands! Look out for some delicious regional cuisine that the friendly locals will be selling.
  • Discover fascinating cultures, dynasties, and war history while visiting tiny towns and historic cities in Vietnam and Thailand.
  • Add amazing optional activities to your Southeast Asian journey, such as Cu Chi Tunnel tour, cooking classes in Vietnam, kayaking in Halong Bay, vintage Vespa guided tours, or a trip to the Gold Hand Bridge for breathtaking panoramic views and picture ops!
  • As your tour comes to a close and you feed and bathe elephants at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, you ready to be enthralled.

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1 : Bangkok
Greetings from Thailand! After getting ready, meet your guide and the other tour participants in the hotel lobby at approximately 6:00 p.m. for a casual meeting. You can then spend your free time exploring the energetic city of Bangkok or going to an optional group supper. Wander around the well-known Khao San Road and discover the vibrant night markets, live music venues, and eateries at your leisure.
Day 2 : Bangkok City Tour
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, spend the entire day seeing Bangkok with the help of the included City Tour. Explore Bangkok’s bustling streets and charming back streets with your local guide as you take in the two must-see attractions of the city. Explore China Town, make your way to the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and stop by Wat Pho to witness the renowned 46-meter-long, gold-leafed Reclining Buddha! To experience the enchanted ambiance, proceed to the Grand Palace, which is located close and serves as an ideal representation of an old Siamese court. Within the royal grounds lies the Temple of Emerald Buddha, which you might have the opportunity to visit. Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees with loose-fitting clothing, such as long shirts and jeans, as the Grand Palace has a rigorous dress code. traverse the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi and the Chao Phraya River, also known as “The River of Kings.” The city was dubbed the “Venice of the East” because of the tranquil family houses and temples that line the rivers, which you will have the opportunity to see and photograph. You will also visit Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most often photographed locations. The temple gets its name from the magnificent shrine, which features a 76-meter-tall pagoda and is adorned with glazed porcelain pieces that reflect the morning sun. After spending a full day discovering Bangkok, return to the hotel to spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 3 : Bangkok, Kanchanaburi
We leave Bangkok early in the morning and go to Kanchanaburi on an air-conditioned coach. Renowned for the bridge over the Kwai River, this location holds great significance in both Thailand’s dark military history and World War II. Commence your exploration of the region by paying a visit to the War Museum and Cemetery, which honor the deaths of the POWs who perished while building the bridge. Take a boat ride on the River Kwai to the well-known bridge, where you may stroll about the area and cross it on foot. Our next destination is the unique railway segment known as “Hellfire Pass,” which was constructed between 1942 and 1943 by allied prisoners of war in record time. After checking into the hotel and having some free time to continue your exploration on your own terms, have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
DAY 4: Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Phitsanulok
Say goodbye to the ancient city of Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi! This city, which is brimming with Buddhist temples, monasteries, and historic statues that are unmissable, is referred to as Thailand’s hidden archeological pearl. Experience a walking tour with your guide around the 1350 UNESCO World Heritage site, which was once the largest city in the world and the capital of the Siamese Kingdom! Discover the three historic pagodas of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, as well as the majestic royal monastery at Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat. After that, we’ll travel to Ang Thong to see the magnificent Wat Muang temple, which is well-known for having the ninth-biggest seated Buddha statue in the world—standing about 100 meters tall—and the largest in Thailand. We travel to the city of Phitsanulok, which is in the center of Thailand and is regarded as one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the nation, after having a traditional lunch. See how the terrain changes as you travel, becoming greener and lusher until it resembles a jungle in terms of vegetation. Arrive at your 4-star hotel for some downtime after a full day of sightseeing and learning from your local guide.
DAY 5: Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai
For those who like an early start, we visit the hotel’s surrounds early morning to offer a gift to the monks and get a close-up look at one of the most representative features of Thai culture. We travel to Sukhotai, Thailand’s ancient center, by bicycle after breakfast. The Sukhothai Kingdom resided in this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage City from 1238 to 1438, and it served as the birthplace of Thai civilization. Take a walking trip with your local guide through the Sukhothai Historical Park to see the enormous Wat Sri Chum Buddha statue in a beautiful park setting, as well as the old temples and striking ruins. Next, take a seat by the window as we drive through the Lampang province on our way to Chiang Rai. We will stop for lunch and relaxation along the picturesque Phayao Lake shoreline en route. When you arrive in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon, take advantage of the leisure time to relax, go for a swim in the hotel pool, or explore the night market.
DAY 6: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai
Start the day with a hearty breakfast since the stunning new Wat Rong Suea Ten, often referred to as the Blue Temple, will be our first trip. Explore the amazing paintings that bear a resemblance to the style of the well-known White Temple, whose architect received years of training here. Follow your guide to the village of Akha, an ethnic community well-known for its vibrant costumes and the surrounding scenic tea plantations, to fully immerse yourself in the native way of life. Proceeding towards the striking and modern White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Kun in Thai, situated on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, see how white embodies the wisdom and purity of Buddhism in an exquisitely serene and beautiful setting. The renowned painter and artist Chalermchai Kositpipat of Chiang Rai is the creator of this strange-looking temple. The structure is completely white, unlike the majority of Thai temples, and has mirrors and glass incorporated into the exterior to create a dazzling effect in the sunlight. Prepare your cameras because this temple is definitely worthy of an Instagram post! The greatest elephant sanctuaries in Thailand may be found in this hilly, forested location, which also offers tranquil landscape vistas and meandering rivers! Before a busy day ahead, spend the nighttime in Chiang Rai relaxing at our opulent 4-star hotel.
DAY 7: Chiang Mai, Elephant EcoValley, Chiang Mai
We’re off to the Elephant EcoValley for a fun-filled, animal-friendly half-day adventure today. In addition to learning everything there is to know about these amazing animals, you will have the opportunity to: Gather grass and other vegetation for the elephants to snack on; hike with the elephants to the Upper EcoValley on foot; plant a banana tree or herbs; make vitamin balls that are high in fruit and herbs; feed the balls to the elephants, who adore them; take a mud bath with your new friends (watch or wash ’em yourself!); and take a shower outside while taking in the view of a mountain stream! Once you arrive back in Chiang Mai in the afternoon, head to the well-known mountain temple Wat Doi Suthep, which is the ideal place to take in the magnificence of the city. Savor some alone time or take a stroll through the well-known night market to take in the lively ambiance at night.
DAY 8: Chiang Mai - Hanoi ( By flight )
Once you have breakfast at the hotel, you can explore Chiang Mai at your leisure or relax by the pool until you are taken to the airport for a quick trip to Hanoi.
DAY 9: Hanoi City Tour
Spend a whole day exploring the streets of Hanoi, which are teeming with motorbikes, lovely aromas, and mouthwatering street cuisine. Try some authentic Vietnamese coffee and stroll into the Old Quarter to see an amazing example of French, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural fusion. After that, head to the tour group’s meeting point at 1:00 pm for a half-day guided city tour! You will see the One Pillar Pagoda, President Ho Chi Minh’s home, and his mausoleum. After that, take a tour of the magnificent Temple of Literature and its surrounds. Dedicated to Confucius, the temple was constructed in 1080 as a university. Take a stroll around the well-known Hoan Kiem Lake to experience the tranquility of Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda perched on a little island in the middle of the lake, as you wrap up your guided city tour! Spend your final evening in Hanoi strolling around the city or opt for a nighttime walking tour that includes street food tastings.
Day 10 : Hanoi, Halong Bay Cruise
You’ll say goodbye to the city today and travel to the idyllic Halong Bay region, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You will travel via verdant rice fields along the Red River Delta on the way to Tuan Chau dock, where you will arrive around midday. The authentic Halong Bay experience then begins with a trip on a typical junk boat. Lunch is served at 1pm, so relax and take in the tranquility while you float past the many limestone islands. Stop in the afternoon to explore the complicated cave systems of Sung Sot Cave on foot and to see some of the islands, such as Ti Top Island. After that, it’s back on board to enjoy the gorgeous scenery as the sun sets before supper is served at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy a leisurely evening lounging on board, striking up a conversation at the bar, or going squid fishing off the Junk Boat.
Day 11 : Halong Bay, Flight to Danang, Hoi An
It doesn’t get much better than this in the morning! Coffee and tea will be available starting at 7:00 am, but go slowly and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of the Junk Boat deck. Take a few last pictures of the idyllic islands in Halong Bay, such as Sail Island and Ga Choi Island. Savor a kayaking activity that is optional. You will say goodbye to Halong Bay and your amazing Junk Boat Crew as you travel back to the pier at 9.00 am, with brunch served by 9.30 am. We’ll take a domestic flight this afternoon to Danang, where we’ll check into our hotel in Hoi An, one of the most picturesque places in Vietnam!
Day 12 : Hoi An
From Hoi An, good morning! Hoi An was originally a busy harbor for a wide range of different traders centuries ago. These days, it’s a charming, peaceful riverbank village that draws tourists from all over. Take a guided tour of the Old Quarter to get your bearings, then head to the Japanese Covered Bridge—a sight to behold—to see the residence of a historic trader, the Chinese Assembly Hall, and the French Colonial architecture. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to see a renowned tailor in Vietnam for custom-made clothes or rent a bike and ride to An Bang beach for fresh seafood and coastal vibes. Take a guided bike tour through the countryside or sign up for an optional Vespa city and street food tour if you’re feeling very daring. Don’t pass up the chance to see the Golden Hand Bridge. The golden footbridge, supported by two enormous stone hands and rising 1,400 meters above sea level, provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 13 : Hoi An, Marble Mountain, Hue
You have the morning free to see some last sights in Hoi An, pick up your custom clothes, or peruse the boutiques. Travel from Hoi An to the Marble Mountains and Cham Museum in the afternoon. After that, head toward Hue while admiring the breathtaking vistas of Hai Van Pass. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to leisurely stroll around the exquisitely designed pavilions and lotus blossom ponds. To view the city from a fresh and fascinating perspective on your own schedule, we suggest taking a Cyclo ride.
Day 14 : Hue City Tour, Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Even though the American War severely damaged many of Hue’s best buildings, the ancient city, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nevertheless filled with memories of imperial Vietnam. Taking a guided city tour, we’ll explore Hue for the entire day starting at 8 a.m. today. You will see the Royal Tombs of Khai Dinh, the Old Imperial City, the Flag Tower, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Dong Ba market. Get your camera ready to witness some of Vietnam’s most exquisite buildings! Take a domestic trip to Ho Chi Min in the afternoon to recuperate for the upcoming busy day.
Day 15 : Ho Chi Minh City
Our journey will come to an end in Ho Chi Minh City after breakfast at the hotel, when we bid farewell to our new traveling companions and check out by 11:00 am.

Tour Inclusions

  • 4 Star hotels, Traditional Junk
  • 14 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
  • A/C coach or mini-bus, flights, speedy boat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh
  • Airport transfers for the included domestic flights on the tour.
  • Services of experienced G1 Travel local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
  • Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi access ( where available )
  • Flights between Hanoi to Danang and Hue City to Ho Chi Minh.
  • Halong Bay Cruise on traditional junk boat
  • Services of experienced junk boat cruise
  • Sightseeing entrance tickets

What is NOT included?

  • Any flights not mentioned above
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not stated above
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips and gestures
  • Entrance fees to the sights and museums
  • Optional activities
  • Other services not stated in the itinerary
Does this look like fun? Book tickets today!
"Our Incredible Vietnam tour with G1 Travel was beyond amazing! From the lively streets of Hanoi to the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay, every moment was unforgettable. The itinerary was well-crafted, accommodations were fantastic, and our guide, Mai, made the trip exceptional. G1 Travel knows how to create a seamless and immersive travel experience. Can't wait for our next adventure with them!"
Doug Martin
UK
"G1 Travel's Incredible Vietnam tour exceeded our expectations! From exploring ancient temples in Hoi An to cruising the Mekong Delta, every day brought new adventures. The balance between guided activities and free time was perfect. The food tours introduced us to incredible flavors. Kudos to G1 Travel for making this trip unforgettable – they've set the standard for our future travels!"
David
USA

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